1 Wisdom has built her house. She has carved out her seven pillars.
2 She has prepared her meat. She has mixed her wine. She has also set her table.
3 She has sent out her maidens. She cries from the highest places of the city:
4 "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him,
5 "Come, eat some of my bread, Drink some of the wine which I have mixed!
6 Leave your simple ways, and live. Walk in the way of understanding."
7 He who corrects a mocker invites insult. He who reproves a wicked man invites abuse.
8 Don't reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you. Reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
9 Instruct a wise man, and he will be still wiser. Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
10 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For by me your days will be multiplied. The years of your life will be increased.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself. If you mock, you alone will bear it.
13 The foolish woman is loud, Undisciplined, and knows nothing.
14 She sits at the door of her house, On a seat in the high places of the city,
15 To call to those who pass by, Who go straight on their ways,
16 "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here." As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him,
17 "Stolen water is sweet. Food eaten in secret is pleasant."
18 But he doesn't know that the dead are there, That her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Proverbs 9
Commentary on Proverbs 9 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
CHAPTER 9
Pr 9:1-18. The commendation of wisdom is continued, under the figure of a liberal host, and its provisions under that of a feast (compare Lu 14:16-24). The character of those who are invited is followed by a contrasted description of the rejectors of good counsel; and with the invitations of wisdom are contrasted the allurement of the wicked woman.
1. house—(compare Pr 8:34).
her—or, "its" (the house).
seven pillars—the number seven for many, or a sufficiency (Pr 6:31).
2. mingled—to enhance the flavor (Pr 23:30; Isa 5:22).
furnished—literally, "set out," "arranged."
3. maidens—servants to invite (compare Ps 68:11; Isa 40:9).
highest places—ridges of heights, conspicuous places.
4-6. (Compare Pr 1:4; 6:32). Wisdom not only supplies right but forbids wrong principles.
7, 8. shame—(Compare Pr 3:35).
a blot—or, "stain on character." Both terms denote the evil done by others to one whose faithfulness secures a wise man's love.
9. The more a wise man learns, the more he loves wisdom.
10. (Compare Pr 1:7).
of the holy—literally, "holies," persons or things, or both. This knowledge gives right perception.
11. (Compare Pr 3:16-18; 4:10).
12. You are mainly concerned in your own conduct.
13. foolish woman—or literally, "woman of folly," specially manifested by such as are described.
clamorous—or, "noisy" (Pr 7:11).
knoweth nothing—literally, "knoweth not what," that is, is right and proper.
14. on a seat—literally, "throne," takes a prominent place, impudently and haughtily.
15, 16. to allure those who are right-minded, and who are addressed as in Pr 9:4, as
simple—that is, easily led (Pr 1:4) and unsettled, though willing to do right.
17. The language of a proverb, meaning that forbidden delights are sweet and pleasant, as fruits of risk and danger.
18. (Compare Pr 2:18, 19; 7:27).